Minutes for the September 23, 2008 Meeting

Minutes and action items for the September 23, 2008 meeting.

Outreach

The Earl Kitchener parent Council is endorsing LRT.

Nicholas made a presentation to the Rotary AM Club that was received enthusiastically. he also met with local MPP Sophia Aggletonitis, who asked what she can do to support LRT in Hamilton. He is still working to present to other Hamilton Rotary Clubs.

HLR provided brochures to be distributed during Car Free Week events.

Nicholas and Ryan were interviewed by Rob Faulkner for an article in the Hamilton Spectator.

Nicholas presented two videos provided by the LRT operator in Porto, Portugal, whose successful efforts to build a system there may offer lessons for Hamilton.

HLR has an opportunity to present to the Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association AGM on Tuesday, October 21.

Action Items:

Reach out to the Hamilton-Wentworth Public and Catholic School Boards to seek endorsements.

Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan

Metrolinx is going to build out from its committed budget of $11.5 billion without waiting for additional financing, while it works concurrently to secure more capital.

Metrolinx still needs to do its own review to decide whether Hamilton should have LRT or BRT for its rapid transit system.

The organization has indicated that it will pay for "the lion's share" of the capital costs for Hamilton's rapid transit system.

October 6: Public Works staff presents its Phase 2 Report to the Public Works Committee.

October 20: Council will decide whether to apply formally for a project under Metrolinx. Hamilton needs to demonstrate that it can actually commit to build and meet its commitment.

Road Trip: City staff (Bill Jansen, Scott Stewart, Jill Stephen, Lisa Zinkewich, and Paul Shaker), the Mayor and two councillors went to Charlotte NC, Portland OR and Calgary AB to meet local officials, ride the rapid transit systems and study spinoff economic development.

Councillor Ferguson has since stated that he believes LRT is essential to grow Hamilton's economy.

Public consultation is extremely important throughout the Metrolinx review, so it's important to keep up the momentum and public enthusiasm for LRT. We also need to participate in the Metrolinx public outreach, keep doing community outreach, keep soliciting endorsements, and keep communicating to Council that they should support LRT strongly.

Recent News

On Monday, Vote #yesLRT
There is only one way to stop the anti-LRT gang from derailing the biggest public infrastructure investment in the city's history.

Support the #yesLRT Campaign
A broad coalition of LRT supporters including Hamilton Light Rail has come together with a new campaign called #yesLRT to make sure this project stays on the rails through the upcoming municipal election.